A# Augmented Seventh Bass Arpeggio
Bass arpeggio — fretboard diagram
A# Augmented Seventh Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: A#, D, E##, A
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5A, 7M
Formula: 2W-2W-WH
Number of notes: 4
Also known as: maj7#5, maj7+5, +maj7, ^7#5
The A# Augmented Seventh arpeggio contains 4 notes (A#, D, E##, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the A# Augmented Seventh Arpeggio
Play the A# Augmented Seventh arpeggio whenever a A# Augmented Seventh chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The A# Augmented Seventh arpeggio uses 4 notes (A#, D, E##, A) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play A# Augmented Seventh Arpeggio on Bass
On bass, locate A# on the A string at fret 1. Span the 4 notes (A#, D, E##, A) across two to three strings using one finger per fret. Focus on even tone production between plucked strings and smooth position shifts.
The A# Augmented Seventh arpeggio has a symmetrical, ethereal quality built from major thirds. It fits over A#aug, A#+, A#maj7#5 chords and is useful for creating a sense of upward motion and harmonic ambiguity.
Practice Routine
Start by playing the A# Augmented Seventh arpeggio ascending and descending at 60 BPM, one note per beat, using a metronome. Once even and confident, play it in eighth notes, then triplets, keeping each note articulate. Spend at least 5 minutes daily on this before moving to musical application.
Bass Tips
Practice the A# Augmented Seventh arpeggio on bass using a raking technique across adjacent strings for a smooth, flowing sound. Then try the same shape with a two-finger alternating pluck for a more defined, punchy articulation.